Course Description

This course provides an overview of the laws and court procedures that govern dependency cases in Florida. It is important to have a general understand of Chapter 39 as well as common court procedures and practices.  

The objectives of this course are to:

  • Gain a general understanding of the laws and court procedures that govern dependency cases in Florida.
  • Develop a working knowledge of the purpose of the various hearings in the path of a dependency case.
  • Identify best practices to advocate for timely permanency for dependent children.
  • Understand the role of a guardian ad litem at all stages in a dependency case.

You are not expected to complete the course in one sitting.  It is recommend you complete one chapter at a time, allowing at least 30 minutes per chapter.  

NOTE:  For Guardian ad Litem staff and volunteers, the Optima training topic for this 1.5 hour course is "Legal Issues".

This material has been exclusively designed for I am for the child Academy.


Training Specialists

Statewide Guardian ad Litem Training Team

For any questions on this material please contact us at [email protected] . Thank you!

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Chapter 7 - Section 1

    • Introduction & Overview

  • 2

    Chapter 7 - Section 2

    • Path of a Case

  • 3

    Chapter 7 - Section 3

    • Special Legal Considerations
  • 4

    Chapter 7 - Section 4

    • Advocacy in Action

    • 12 Questions to Answer BEFORE a Disposition Hearing
  • 5

    Chapter 7 - Section 5

    • Chapter 7 Quiz

    • Chapter Wrap-Up

Reviews

5 star rating

Child welfare and the Law

Jack Ganzel

Very detailed and enlighten, Had no idea of all the care/work and help this program can be to a child.

Very detailed and enlighten, Had no idea of all the care/work and help this program can be to a child.

Read Less
5 star rating

Chapter 7 - Child Welfare and the Law

Merredith Donner

This whole section was so good, well put together, and powerful. Shane's video had me in tears.

This whole section was so good, well put together, and powerful. Shane's video had me in tears.

Read Less
5 star rating

Title fits the material

kreshawn walker

The material was very informative and served as a recap of the initial training to become a GAL.

The material was very informative and served as a recap of the initial training to become a GAL.

Read Less